Fairy houses at Chimney Park

Dear Editor:For a few brief hours last Saturday, Chimney Park was transformed into an enchanting, wondrous place. From the moment visitors entered the park, they too were transformed — into playful, imaginative children. Sights and sounds of sheer delight filled the air. What happened at Chimney Park on that day, for those hours? Fairy houses. Built by families, individuals, community groups and schools, representing a broad cross-section of our beloved community, these tiny, whimsical habitats were everywhere. Made of natural materials and constructed in ways limited only by imagination, they were enthralling.

On behalf of the committee for "Fairy Houses at Chimney Park," I want to express my deep appreciation to everyone who helped make this event a success. Dozens of volunteers, aided by county and city employees, worked at the park, clearing brambles, laying mulch, and making paths through the forest. Local businesses made donations of time, materials and services. School media specialists read books and displayed fairy houses, helping to answer the recurrent question, "What are fairy houses?" Newspapers, cable TV and regional magazines spread the word. People called, asking to be involved and offering assistance. Enthusiastic volunteers helped prepare for the event. No request went unanswered. It was a magical day.

To everyone who contributed time, labor, and resources, thank you again and again. And to all who attended, thank you for your enthusiastic support. We plan to make this an annual celebration. Stay tuned for next year.

Albert Einstein once said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create." Chimney Park offers itself as a unique place, a place where people of all ages and abilities can connect with nature and each other in creative and imaginative ways. It’s a magical place, "A Park with Heart." We still have lots of work to do to develop it to its full potential. Please get involved, make donations, and spread the word. If you’d like to volunteer on site or assist with events, contact Hands On Newton.